The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine are now rated at 60 percent, effective November 8, 2018. Peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is granted with specific ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examination conducted on November 8, 2018, indicated that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain and IVDS met the criteria for a 60 percent rating as of that date due to incapacitating episodes requiring bedrest for six weeks over the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the thoracolumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- October 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19177626
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right leg sciatica with radiculopathy pain and paresthesia, but denied increased ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, left wrist limitation of motion with ganglion cyst, and service connection for headaches, unspecified. Several issues were remanded.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus and a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, but granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
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